The central government on Wednesday approved around Rs.11,000 crore worth of capacity augmentation in the railways through construction of additional infrastructure to cater to the growth in passenger and freight traffic.

The central government on Wednesday approved around Rs.11,000 crore worth of capacity augmentation in the railways through construction of additional infrastructure to cater to the growth in passenger and freight traffic.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) which met here under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the construction of six railway lines and a railway bridge at a total cost of over Rs.10,700 crore.

According to the CCEA, the additional infrastructure will come up at various locations across the country.

The total cost of the approved projects will be funded through institutional financing.

“The proposals will cost over Rs.10,700 crore and most part of the expenditure will be met through extra budgetary resources (institutional financing),” Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said at a briefing after the CCEA meet.

The six projects include doubling of Hubli-Chickajur line (190 km), Ramna-Singrauli stretch (160 km) and Katni-Singrauli railway line (261 km).

Other approved projects include construction of the third line between Anuppur-Katni (165 km) and Wardha (Sewagram)-Ballarshah (132 km).

In addition, the CCEA gave approval for the erection of an additional bridge and doubling of RampurDumra-Tal-Rajendrapul stretch.

The approved projects are expected to be completed within 4-5 years during the 13th plan period.